Topical Bible: Hypocrisy: Ishmael

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Introduction

Hypocrisy, a term denoting the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform, is a recurring theme in the Bible. It is often associated with duplicity and insincerity, and the Scriptures frequently warn against it. The account of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, provides a backdrop for exploring themes of hypocrisy, particularly in the context of faith, promise, and human actions.

Biblical Background

Ishmael is introduced in the Book of Genesis as the firstborn son of Abraham through Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. The narrative begins with Sarah's inability to bear children, leading her to offer Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate. This decision, while culturally acceptable at the time, reflects a lack of faith in God's promise to provide Abraham with an heir through Sarah (Genesis 16:1-4).

Themes of Hypocrisy

1. Human Efforts vs. Divine Promise: The birth of Ishmael represents a human attempt to fulfill God's promise through natural means rather than waiting for divine intervention. This act can be seen as hypocritical, as it outwardly seeks to align with God's promise while inwardly relying on human wisdom and effort. The Apostle Paul later contrasts Ishmael with Isaac, the child of promise, in Galatians 4:22-23 , highlighting the difference between living by the flesh and living by the Spirit.

2. Mockery and Conflict: Ishmael's behavior towards Isaac, the child of promise, further illustrates themes of hypocrisy. In Genesis 21:9 , Sarah observes Ishmael mocking Isaac, which leads to tension and eventual separation. This mocking can be seen as a form of hypocrisy, as Ishmael, though a son of Abraham, does not respect the divine promise associated with Isaac. His actions reveal a heart not aligned with God's purposes, despite his privileged position as Abraham's son.

3. Religious and Cultural Implications: The account of Ishmael also has broader implications for understanding hypocrisy in religious and cultural contexts. Ishmael's descendants, traditionally seen as the Arab nations, are often contrasted with the Israelites, descendants of Isaac. This historical division underscores the consequences of actions not rooted in faith and obedience to God's promises. The narrative warns against the hypocrisy of claiming spiritual heritage without genuine faith and alignment with God's will.

Lessons from Ishmael's Story

The account of Ishmael serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hypocrisy in the life of faith. It underscores the importance of trusting in God's promises and timing, rather than resorting to human schemes. The account also highlights the need for integrity and sincerity in one's relationship with God, avoiding the pitfalls of duplicity and insincerity. As believers, the call is to live authentically, aligning actions with professed beliefs, and trusting in God's sovereign plan.

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Jeremiah 41:6,7
And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went: and it came to pass, as he met them, he said to them, Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.
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Library

The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar
... were sands, but my sins were mountains; and because I had not faith, all my
righteousness was but white-washed hypocrisy.". Now, once more, Ishmael was sent ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the allegories of sarah and.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Paul.
... men's bones and all uncleanness: and He warned His disciples to beware of the leaven
of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy, and the ... It is Ishmael and not Isaac. ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vii entire sanctification as.htm

The Leafless Tree
... into Egypt at the time of the conspiracy of Ishmael (not Ishmael, the son ... in the
pulpit and true devotion in the pew, while formality and hypocrisy stalk over ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the leafless tree.htm

The Sinner Stripped of his Vain Pleas.
... it, and "forsaken the God of your fathers." (2:Chron.7:22) Ishmael was immediately ...
Perhaps be sees that it was all hypocrisy, an artful veil under which thou ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter v the sinner stripped.htm

What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
... Because hypocrisy had been added to all other sins; [793] because there had ... work
speaks of five monarchies - Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome and Ishmael. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v what messiah did.htm

Sanctification
... (3.) The third counterfeit of sanctification is hypocrisy; when men make ... Scoffing
Ishmael was cast out of Abraham's family, Genesis 21:1; and such as scoff at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 sanctification.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... Thus Ishmael's mocking Isaac, is termed persecuting him ... That which you call prudence,
is often, only cowardice, dreadful hypocrisy, pride of heart, which makes ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... "O that Ishmael might live ... for the Lord witnessed concerning him, that he was a perfect
and an upright man"yet they accused him of hypocrisy, and supposed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... sullenness, passion, idleness, selfishness, deceit, cunning, falsehood, hypocrisy,
a terrible ... Mark how Abraham intercedes for Ishmael, because he loved him ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Jewish ideas about corruption, 324; Christ's woe on hypocrisy in whitening tombs,
413; ... Ishmael, son of Elisha, vision by, i.138. Israel, unity of, i.3; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm